Multi-Layer Vascular Prosthesis

ABSTRACT

A vascular prosthesis comprising a tubular support structure having an outer surface and an internal lumen therethrough, the support structure comprising a base material, which can comprise natural or synthetic materials, the internal lumen surface including an extracellular matrix (ECM) layer that includes at least one ECM material, wherein, when said vascular prosthesis is deployed proximate damaged cardiovascular tissue, the prosthesis induces modulated healing of the damaged tissue. In some embodiments, the support member outer surface also includes an ECM layer.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Nos. 61/710,992, filed on Oct. 8, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for repairing damaged or diseased vessels. More particularly, the present invention relates to multi-layer vascular endografts or prostheses employing extracellular matrix materials to treat and/or repair damaged or diseased vessels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is well known in the art, treatment of various medical conditions commonly involves implantation of medical devices and prostheses into a body. Illustrative is the implantation or deployment of a vascular prosthesis, e.g., endograft or stent device, into a cardiovascular vessel, e.g. vein or artery, to treat and/or repair a diseased or damaged region therein.

As is also well known in the art, vascular prostheses, i.e. stents, are often employed to provide an artificial conduit proximate a diseased or damaged vessel region in and/or maintain an open passageway through a cardiovascular vessel. Such vascular prostheses can be designed for temporary placement, i.e. to maintain the patency of the vessel, or permanent placement.

There are, however, several drawbacks and disadvantages associated with conventional vascular prostheses. A common problem associated with implantable vascular prostheses is intimal hyperplasia after intervention in the vessel, such as a coronary artery. Indeed, it has been found that a significant percentage of arterial bypass grafts and vein grafts fail due to intimal hyperplasia after coronary bypass surgery. Endothelial denudation, platelet adherence, and leukocyte infiltration are some of the functions that can contribute to the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in the vessel and subsequent onset of arterial stenosis.

Further, many conventional vascular prostheses; particularly, stents are often constructed from various polymeric materials, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Such prostheses often cause irritation and undesirable biologic responses from the surrounding tissues in a vessel.

Although conventional vascular prostheses are designed to be implanted for an extended period of time, it is sometimes necessary to remove the device prematurely, for example, because of poor patency or harsh biological responses. In such instances, the device generally must be removed through a secondary surgical procedure, which can, and in many instances will, result in undesirable pain and discomfort to the patient and possibly additional trauma to the vessel tissue. In addition to the pain and discomfort, the patient must be subjected to an additional time consuming and complicated surgical procedure with the attendant risks of surgery.

More recently, bioabsorbable and/or biodegradable prostheses have been developed in an effort to eliminate the harsh biological responses associated with conventional polymeric and metal vascular prostheses. There are, however, several known disadvantages associated with bioabsorbable and biodegradable prostheses.

One major disadvantage is that the bioabsorbable and biodegradable materials and, hence, prostheses often break down at a faster rate than is desirable for the application. A further disadvantage is that the bioabsorbable and biodegradable materials can, and in many instances will, break down into large, rigid fragments that can cause obstructions in the interior of a vessel.

It would thus be desirable to provide vascular prostheses that substantially reduce or, more preferably, overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages associated with conventional vascular prostheses.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide vascular prostheses that substantially reduce or eliminate the drawbacks and disadvantages associated with conventional vascular prostheses.

It is another object of the present invention to provide vascular prostheses that reduce the incidence of thrombotic events.

It is another object of the present invention to provide vascular prostheses that reduce tissue inflammation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide vascular prostheses that induce modulated healing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to multi-layer vascular prostheses employing extracellular matrix materials to treat and/or repair damaged or diseased vessels.

In some embodiments of the invention, the vascular prostheses include a tubular support structure having an internal lumen therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the internal lumen includes at least one ECM composition layer.

In some embodiments, the ECM composition layer comprises an ECM composition coating. In some embodiments, the ECM composition layer comprises an ECM composition sheet member.

In some embodiments, the tubular support structure further includes at least one outer ECM composition layer.

According to the invention, the support structure can comprise various conventional metals, and synthetic and natural materials, including, without limitation, tantalum gauze, stainless mesh, Dacron®, Orlon®, Fortisan®, nylon, knitted polypropylene (e.g., Marlex®), microporous expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Gore-Tex®), Dacron®reinforced silicone rubber (e.g., Silastic®), polyglactin 910 (e.g., Vicryl®), polyester (e.g., Mersilene®), polyglycolic acid (e.g., Dexon®), processed sheep dermal collagen, crosslinked bovine pericardium (e.g., Peri-Guard®), and preserved human dura (e.g., Lyodura®).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ECM composition includes at least one ECM material. According to the invention, the ECM material can be derived from various mammalian tissue sources, including the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, placenta, heart, bladder, prostate, tissue surrounding growing enamel, tissue surrounding growing bone, and any fetal tissue from any mammalian organ, and methods for preparing same.

In some embodiments of the invention, the ECM composition further includes one or more additional biologically active components to facilitate the treatment of damaged tissue and/or the tissue regenerative process.

In some embodiments, the ECM composition thus includes at least one pharmacological agent or composition, which can comprise, without limitation, antibiotics or antifungal agents, anti-viral agents, anti-pain agents, anesthetics, analgesics, steroidal anti-inflammatories, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-neoplastics, anti-spasmodics, modulators of cell-extracellular matrix interactions, proteins, hormones, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, anticoagulants and/or antithrombic agents, DNA, RNA, modified DNA and RNA, NSAIDs, inhibitors of DNA, RNA or protein synthesis, polypeptides, oligonucleotides, polynucleotides, nucleoproteins, compounds modulating cell migration, compounds modulating proliferation and growth of tissue, and vasodilating agents.

In some embodiments of the invention, the pharmacological agent specifically comprises an anti-inflammatory agent or composition.

In some embodiments of the invention, the biologically active component comprises a statin. According to the invention, suitable statins include, without limitation, atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin.

In some embodiments of the invention, the biologically active component comprises chitin, chitosan or a derivative thereof.

In some embodiments of the invention, the biologically active component comprises a cell.

In some embodiments of the invention, the biologically active component comprises a protein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and in which like referenced characters generally refer to the same parts or elements throughout the views, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a vascular prosthesis, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 1B is an end elevation view of the vascular prosthesis shown in FIG. 1A, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2A is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a vascular prosthesis, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2B is an end elevation view of the vascular prosthesis shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a vascular prosthesis, in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified apparatus, systems, compositions or methods as such may, of course, vary. Thus, although a number of systems, compositions and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred systems, compositions and methods are described herein.

It is also to be understood that, although the prostheses, ECM and pharmacological compositions and methods of the invention are illustrated and described in connection with treatment of damaged and/or diseased cardiovascular tissue, the prostheses, ECM and pharmacological compositions and methods of the invention are not limited to cardiovascular tissue. According to the invention, the prostheses, ECM and pharmacological compositions and methods of the invention can be employed to treat numerous additional biological tissue, including, without limitation, gastrointestinal and respiratory organ tissue.

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to be limiting.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.

Further, all publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Finally, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an anti-inflammatory” includes two or more such agents and the like.

DEFINITIONS

The term “vessel”, as used herein, means and includes any bodily lumen, canal, conduit, duct or passageway, including, but not limited to, blood vessels, bile ducts, the esophagus, the trachea, the ureter and the urethra. A vessel can comprise an existing lumen, canal, conduit, duct or passageway or a lumen, canal, conduit, duct or passageway created by surgical intervention.

The terms “endograft” and “prosthesis” are used interchangeably herein, and mean and include a structure, device or system that is configured for implantation in a body lumen or vessel, including, without limitation, tubular constructs, grafts, stents, and other similar endoluminal structures.

The terms “damaged tissue” and “diseased tissue” are used interchangeably herein, and mean and include any area of abnormal biological tissue caused by a disease, disorder, injury or damage.

The terms “prevent” and “preventing” are used interchangeably herein, and mean and include reducing the frequency or severity of a disease, condition or disorder. The term does not require an absolute preclusion of the disease, condition or disorder. Rather, this term includes decreasing the chance for disease occurrence.

The terms “treat” and “treatment” are used interchangeably herein, and mean and include medical management of a patient with the intent to cure, ameliorate, stabilize, or prevent a disease, pathological condition or disorder. The terms include “active treatment”, i.e. treatment directed specifically toward the improvement of a disease, pathological condition or disorder, and “causal treatment”, i.e. treatment directed toward removal of the cause of the associated disease, pathological condition or disorder.

The terms “treat” and “treatment” further include “palliative treatment”, i.e. treatment designed for the relief of symptoms rather than the curing of the disease, pathological condition or disorder, “preventative treatment”, i.e. treatment directed to minimizing or partially or completely inhibiting the development of the associated disease, pathological condition or disorder, and “supportive treatment”, i.e. treatment employed to supplement another specific therapy directed toward the improvement of the associated disease, pathological condition or disorder.

The term “angiogenesis”, as used herein, means a physiologic process involving the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels.

The term “neovascularization”, as used herein, means and includes the formation of functional vascular networks that can be perfused by blood or blood components. Neovascularization includes angiogenesis, budding angiogenesis, intussuceptive angiogenesis, sprouting angiogenesis, therapeutic angiogenesis and vasculogenesis.

The terms “extracellular matrix”, “extracellular matrix material” and “ECM material” are used interchangeably herein, and mean a collagen-rich substance that is found in between cells in animal tissue and serves as a structural element in tissues. It typically comprises a complex mixture of polysaccharides and proteins secreted by cells. The extracellular matrix can be isolated and treated in a variety of ways. Extracellular matrix material (ECM) can be isolated from small intestine submucosa, stomach submucosa, urinary bladder submucosa, tissue mucosa, dura mater, liver basement membrane, pericardium or other tissues. Following isolation and treatment, it is commonly referred to as extracellular matrix or ECM material.

The terms “pharmacological agent”, “pharmaceutical agent”, “agent”, “active agent”, “drug” and “active agent formulation” are used interchangeably herein, and mean and include an agent, drug, compound, composition of matter or mixture thereof, including its formulation, which provides some therapeutic, often beneficial, effect. This includes any physiologically or pharmacologically active substance that produces a localized or systemic effect or effects in animals, including warm blooded mammals, humans and primates; avians; domestic household or farm animals, such as cats, dogs, sheep, goats, cattle, horses and pigs; laboratory animals, such as mice, rats and guinea pigs; fish; reptiles; zoo and wild animals; and the like.

The terms “pharmacological agent”, “pharmaceutical agent”, “agent”, “active agent”, “drug” and “active agent formulation” thus mean and include, without limitation, antibiotics, anti-viral agents, analgesics, steroidal anti-inflammatories, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-neoplastics, anti-spasmodics, modulators of cell-extracellular matrix interactions, proteins, hormones, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, anticoagulants and/or antithrombic agents, DNA, RNA, modified DNA and RNA, NSAIDs, inhibitors of DNA, RNA or protein synthesis, polypeptides, oligonucleotides, polynucleotides, nucleoproteins, compounds modulating cell migration, compounds modulating proliferation and growth of tissue, and vasodilating agents.

The terms “anti-inflammatory” and “anti-inflammatory agent” are also used interchangeably herein, and mean and include a “pharmacological agent” and/or “active agent formulation”, which, when a therapeutically effective amount is administered to a subject, prevents or treats bodily tissue inflammation i.e. the protective tissue response to injury or destruction of tissues, which serves to destroy, dilute, or wall off both the injurious agent and the injured tissues. Anti-inflammatory agents thus include, without limitation, alclofenac, alclometasone dipropionate, algestone acetonide, alpha amylase, amcinafal, amcinafide, amfenac sodium, amiprilose hydrochloride, anakinra, anirolac, anitrazafen, apazone, balsalazide disodium, bendazac, benoxaprofen, benzydamine hydrochloride, bromelains, broperamole, budesonide, carprofen, cicloprofen, cintazone, cliprofen, clobetasol propionate, clobetasone butyrate, clopirac, cloticasone propionate, cormethasone acetate, cortodoxone, decanoate, deflazacort, delatestryl, depo-testosterone, desonide, desoximetasone, dexamethasone dipropionate, diclofenac potassium, diclofenac sodium, diflorasone diacetate, diflumidone sodium, diflunisal, difluprednate, diftalone, dimethyl sulfoxide, drocinonide, endrysone, enlimomab, enolicam sodium, epirizole, etodolac, etofenamate, felbinac, fenamole, fenbufen, fenclofenac, fenclorac, fendosal, fenpipalone, fentiazac, flazalone, fluazacort, flufenamic acid, flumizole, flunisolide acetate, flunixin, flunixin meglumine, fluocortin butyl, fluorometholone acetate, fluquazone, flurbiprofen, fluretofen, fluticasone propionate, furaprofen, furobufen, halcinonide, halobetasol propionate, halopredone acetate, ibufenac, ibuprofen, ibuprofen aluminum, ibuprofen piconol, ilonidap, indomethacin, indomethacin sodium, indoprofen, indoxole, intrazole, isoflupredone acetate, isoxepac, isoxicam, ketoprofen, lofemizole hydrochloride, lomoxicam, loteprednol etabonate, meclofenamate sodium, meclofenamic acid, meclorisone dibutyrate, mefenamic acid, mesalamine, meseclazone, mesterolone, methandrostenolone, methenolone, methenolone acetate, methylprednisolone suleptanate, momiflumate, nabumetone, nandrolone, naproxen, naproxen sodium, naproxol, nimazone, olsalazine sodium, orgotein, orpanoxin, oxandrolane, oxaprozin, oxyphenbutazone, oxymetholone, paranyline hydrochloride, pentosan polysulfate sodium, phenbutazone sodium glycerate, pirfenidone, piroxicam, piroxicam cinnamate, piroxicam olamine, pirprofen, prednazate, prifelone, prodolic acid, proquazone, proxazole, proxazole citrate, rimexolone, romazarit, salcolex, salnacedin, salsalate, sanguinarium chloride, seclazone, sermetacin, stanozolol, sudoxicam, sulindac, suprofen, talmetacin, talniflumate, talosalate, tebufelone, tenidap, tenidap sodium, tenoxicam, tesicam, tesimide, testosterone, testosterone blends, tetrydamine, tiopinac, tixocortol pivalate, tolmetin, tolmetin sodium, triclonide, triflumidate, zidometacin, and zomepirac sodium.

The term “chitosan”, as used herein, means and includes the family of linear polysaccharides consisting of varying amounts of β (1→4) linked residues of N-acetyl-2 amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose and 2-amino-2-deoxy-Dglucose residues, and all derivatives thereof.

The terms “active agent formulation”, “pharmacological agent formulation” and “agent formulation”, are also used interchangeably herein, and mean and include an active agent (and chitosan) optionally in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or additional inert ingredients. According to the invention, the formulations can be either in solution or in suspension in the carrier.

The term “pharmacological composition”, as used herein, means and includes a composition comprising a “pharmacological agent” and/or an “extracellular matrix material” and/or a “pharmacological agent formulation” and/or any additional agent or component identified herein.

The term “therapeutically effective”, as used herein, means that the amount of the “pharmacological composition” and/or “pharmacological agent” and/or “active agent formulation” administered is of sufficient quantity to ameliorate one or more causes, symptoms, or sequelae of a disease or disorder. Such amelioration only requires a reduction or alteration, not necessarily elimination, of the cause, symptom, or sequelae of a disease or disorder.

The terms “patient” and “subject” are used interchangeably herein, and mean and include warm blooded mammals, humans and primates; avians; domestic household or farm animals, such as cats, dogs, sheep, goats, cattle, horses and pigs; laboratory animals, such as mice, rats and guinea pigs; fish; reptiles; zoo and wild animals; and the like.

The term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including, but not limited to” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps.

The following disclosure is provided to further explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of performing one or more embodiments of the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the inventive principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the present invention substantially reduces or eliminates the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with prior art methods of treating damaged or diseased biological tissue.

As discussed in detail below, the present invention is directed to vascular prostheses employing extracellular matrix materials to treat and/or repair damaged or diseased vessels.

In some embodiments of the invention, the vascular prostheses include a tubular support stricture having an internal lumen therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the internal lumen includes at least one ECM composition layer.

In some embodiments, the ECM composition layer comprises an ECM composition coating. In some embodiments, the ECM composition layer comprises a plurality of ECM composition coatings.

In some embodiments, the ECM composition layer comprises an ECM composition sheet member. In some embodiments, the ECM composition layer comprises a plurality of ECM composition sheet members.

In some embodiments, the tubular support structure further includes at least one outer ECM composition layer. The outer ECM composition can similarly comprise one or more ECM composition coatings or sheet members.

According to the invention, the support structure can comprise various conventional metals, and synthetic and natural materials, including, without limitation, tantalum gauze, stainless mesh, Dacron®, Orlon®, Fortisan®, nylon, knitted polypropylene (e.g., Marlex®), microporous expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Gore-Tex®), Dacron® reinforced silicone rubber (e.g., Silastic®), polyglactin 910 (e.g., Vicryl®), polyester (e.g., Mersilene®), polyglycolic acid (e.g., Dexon®), processed sheep dermal collagen, crosslinked bovine pericardium (e.g., Peri-Guard®), and preserved human dura (e.g., Lyodura®).

According to the invention, upon deployment of a tissue prosthesis of the invention into a vascular structure an endothelium layer is generated within the prosthesis, which facilitates the regulation of nitric oxide formation. As a result, the vascular prostheses of the invention exhibit (i) reduced incidence of thrombotic events due to the presence of a native vessel lumen and the endothelium's ability to avoid plaque buildup (i.e. reduced monocyte attachment) and (ii) reduced vessel tissue inflammation and, thereby, reduced incidence of atherosclerosis.

In some embodiments of the invention, upon deployment of a vascular prosthesis of the invention, modulated healing, including regeneration of tissue structures with site-specific structural and functional properties, is effectuated.

The phrase “modulated healing”, as used herein, and variants of this language generally refer to the modulation (e.g., alteration, delay, retardation, reduction, etc.) of a process involving different cascades or sequences of naturally occurring tissue repair in response to localized tissue damage or injury, substantially reducing their inflammatory effect. Modulated healing, as used herein, includes many different biologic processes, including epithelial growth, fibrin deposition, platelet activation and attachment, inhibition, proliferation and/or differentiation, connective fibrous tissue production and function, angiogenesis, and several stages of acute and/or chronic inflammation, and their interplay with each other.

For example, in some embodiments, the ECM compositions of the invention are specifically formulated (or designed) to alter, delay, retard, reduce, and/or detain one or more of the phases associated with healing of damaged tissue, including, but not limited to, the inflammatory phase (e.g., platelet or fibrin deposition), and the proliferative phase.

In some embodiments, “modulated healing” refers to the ability of an ECM composition to alter a substantial inflammatory phase (e.g., platelet or fibrin deposition) at the beginning of the tissue healing process. As used herein, the phrase “alter a substantial inflammatory phase” refers to the ability of an ECM composition to substantially reduce the inflammatory response at an injury site.

In such an instance, a minor amount of inflammation may ensue in response to tissue injury, but this level of inflammation response, e.g., platelet and/or fibrin deposition, is substantially reduced when compared to inflammation that takes place in the absence of an ECM composition of the invention.

For example, the ECM compositions discussed herein have been shown experimentally to delay or alter the inflammatory response associated with damaged tissue, as well as excessive formation of connective fibrous tissue following tissue damage or injury. The ECM compositions have also been shown experimentally to delay or reduce fibrin deposition and platelet attachment to a blood contact surface following tissue damage.

In some embodiments of the invention, “modulated healing” refers to the ability of an ECM composition of the invention to induce host tissue proliferation, bioremodeling, including neovascularization, e.g., vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and intussusception, and regeneration of tissue structures with site-specific structural and functional properties.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ECM compositions include at least one extracellular matrix (hereinafter “ECM material”). According to the invention, the ECM material can be derived from various mammalian tissue sources and methods for preparing same, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,550,004, 7,244,444, 6,379,710, 6,358,284, 6,206,931, 5,733,337 and 4,902,508 and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/707,427; which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. The mammalian tissue sources include, without limitation, the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, placenta, heart, bladder, prostate, mesothelium, tissue surrounding growing enamel, tissue surrounding growing bone, and any fetal tissue from any mammalian organ.

As is well known in the art, the urinary bladder submucosa is an extracellular matrix that has the tunica mucosa (which includes the transitional epithelial layer and the tunica propria), a submucosal layer, three layers of muscularis, and the adventitia (a loose connective tissue layer). This general configuration is true also for small intestine submucosa (SIS) and stomach submucosa (SS).

Other tissues, such as the liver and pancreas have ECM material called basement membrane. Basement membrane generally does not demonstrate the kind of tensile strength found in submucosa. However, other useful properties may be opportunistically employed from the ECM material of such tissues as the liver, pancreas, placenta and lung tissues; all of which have either a basement membrane or interstitial membrane (as with the lung). For example, pancreatic extracellular membrane supports beta islet cells that are critical to pancreatic function. Also, for example, the liver is one tissue known to be able to regenerate itself and therefore special qualities may be present in the liver basement membrane that help facilitate that process. The ECM material surrounding developing tooth enamel and developing bone also have particular advantages over other matrices in that they support the growth and differentiation of the hard tissues of bone and enamel.

According to the invention, the ECM material can be used in whole or in part, so that, for example, an ECM material can contain just the basement membrane (or transitional epithelial layer) with the subadjacent tunica propria, the tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. The ECM material component of the composition can contain any or all of these layers, and thus could conceivably contain only the basement membrane portion, excluding the submucosa. However, generally, and especially since the submucosa is thought to contain and support the active growth factors and other proteins necessary for in vivo tissue regeneration, the ECM or matrix composition from any given source will contain the active extracellular matrix portions that support cell development and differentiation and tissue regeneration.

For purposes of this invention, the ECM material from any of the mammalian tissue consists of several basically inseparable layers broadly termed ECM material. For example, where it is thought that separating a basement membrane from the submucosa is considered to be very difficult, if not impossible, because the layers are thin and it is not possible to delaminate them from each other, the ECM material from that particular layer will probably necessarily contain some basement membrane with the submucosa.

According to the invention, the ECM compositions of the invention can also comprise ECM material from two or more mammalian sources. Thus, for example, the composition can comprise ECM material combinations from such sources as, for example, but not limited to, small intestine submucosa, liver basement membrane, stomach submucosa, urinary bladder submucosa, placental basement membrane, pancreatic basement membrane, large intestine submucosa, lung interstitial membrane, respiratory tract submucosa, heart ECM material, dermal matrix, and, in general, ECM material from any mammalian fetal tissue. The ECM material sources can also comprise different mammalian animals or an entirely different species of mammals.

The ECM composition can thus comprise ECM material from three mammalian tissue sources, four mammalian tissue sources, five mammalian tissue sources, six mammalian tissue sources, and conceivably up to ten or more tissue sources. The tissue sources can be from the same mammal (for example the same cow, the same pig, the same rodent, the same human, etc.), the same species of mammal (e.g. cow, pig, rodent, human), or different mammalian animals, but the same species, (e.g. cow 1 and cow 2, or pig 1 and pig 2), or different species of mammals (for example liver matrix from a pig, small intestine submucosa from a cow, and urinary bladder submucosa from a dog, all mixed together in the composition).

According to the invention, the ECM material can comprise mixed solid particulates. The ECM material can also be formed into a particulate and fluidized, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,275,826, 6,579,538 and 6,933,326, to form a mixed emulsion, mixed gel or mixed paste.

According to the invention, the liquid or semi-solid components of the ECM compositions (i.e. gels, emulsions or pastes) can comprise various concentrations. Preferably, the concentration of the liquid or semi-solid components of the ECM compositions are in the range of about 0.001 mg/ml to about 200 mg/ml. Suitable concentration ranges thus include, without limitation: about 5 mg/ml to about 150 mg/ml, about 10 mg/ml to about 125 mg/ml, about 25 mg/ml to about 100 mg/ml, about 20 mg/ml to about 75 mg/ml, about 25 mg/ml to about 60 mg/ml, about 30 mg/ml to about 50 mg/ml, and about 35 mg/ml to about 45 mg/ml and about 40 mg/ml. to about 42 mg/ml.

The noted concentration ranges are, however, merely exemplary and not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. It is understood that any value within any of the listed ranges is deemed a reasonable and useful value for a concentration of a liquid or semi-solid component of an ECM composition.

According to the invention, the dry particulate or reconstituted particulate that forms a gel emulsion or paste of the two ECM materials can also be mixed together in various proportions. For example, the particulates can comprise 50% of small intestine submucosa mixed with 50% of pancreatic basement membrane. The mixture can then similarly be fluidized by hydrating in a suitable buffer, such as saline.

According to the invention, the ECM compositions of the invention can further include one or more additional bioactive agents or components to aid in the treatment of damaged tissue and/or facilitate the tissue regenerative process.

In some embodiments, the ECM compositions of the invention thus include at least one pharmacological agent or composition, which can comprise, without limitation, antibiotics or antifungal agents, anti-viral agents, anti-pain agents, anesthetics, analgesics, steroidal anti-inflammatories, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-neoplastics, anti-spasmodics, modulators of cell-extracellular matrix interactions, proteins, hormones, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, anticoagulants and/or antithrombic agents, DNA, RNA, modified DNA and RNA, NSAIDs, inhibitors of DNA, RNA or protein synthesis, polypeptides, oligonucleotides, polynucleotides, nucleoproteins, compounds modulating cell migration, compounds modulating proliferation and growth of tissue, and vasodilating agents.

Suitable pharmacological agents and/or compositions thus include, without limitation, atropine, tropicamide, dexamethasone, dexamethasone phosphate, betamethasone, betamethasone phosphate, prednisolone, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinolone acetonide, anecortave acetate, budesonide, cyclosporine, FK-506, rapamycin, ruboxistaurin, midostaurin, flurbiprofen, suprofen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac, nepafenac, lidocaine, neomycin, polymyxin b, bacitracin, gramicidin, gentamicin, oyxtetracycline, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, tobramycin, amikacin, vancomycin, cefazolin, ticarcillin, chloramphenicol, miconazole, itraconazole, trifluridine, vidarabine, ganciclovir, acyclovir, cidofovir, ara-amp, foscarnet, idoxuridine, adefovir dipivoxil, methotrexate, carboplatin, phenylephrine, epinephrine, dipivefrin, timolol, 6-hydroxydopamine, betaxolol, pilocarpine, carbachol, physostigmine, demecarium, dorzolamide, brinzolamide, latanoprost, sodium hyaluronate, insulin, verteporfin, pegaptanib, ranibizumab, and other antibodies, antineoplastics, Anti VGEFs, ciliary neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, bFGF, Caspase-1 inhibitors, Caspase-3 inhibitors, α-Adrenoceptors agonists, NMDA antagonists, Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors (GDNF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and NT-3, NT-4, NGF, IGF-2.

According to the invention, the amount of a pharmacological agent added to an ECM composition of the invention will, of course, vary from agent to agent. For example, in one embodiment, wherein the pharmacological agent comprises dicloflenac (Voltaren®), the amount of dicloflenac included in the ECM composition is preferably in the range of 10 μg-75 mg.

In some embodiments of the invention, the pharmacological agent specifically comprises an anti-inflammatory agent. According to the invention, suitable anti-inflammatory agents include, without limitation, alclofenac, alclometasone dipropionate, algestone acetonide, alpha amylase, amcinafal, amcinafide, amfenac sodium, amiprilose hydrochloride, anakinra, anirolac, anitrazafen, apazone, balsalazide disodium, bendazac, benoxaprofen, benzydamine hydrochloride, bromelains, broperamole, budesonide, carprofen, cicloprofen, cintazone, cliprofen, clobetasol propionate, clobetasone butyrate, clopirac, cloticasone propionate, cormethasone acetate, cortodoxone, decanoate, deflazacort, delatestryl, depo-testosterone, desonide, desoximetasone, dexamethasone dipropionate, diclofenac potassium, diclofenac sodium, diflorasone diacetate, diflumidone sodium, diflunisal, difluprednate, diftalone, dimethyl sulfoxide, drocinonide, endrysone, enlimomab, enolicam sodium, epirizole, etodolac, etofenamate, felbinac, fenamole, fenbufen, fenclofenac, fenclorac, fendosal, fenpipalone, fentiazac, flazalone, fluazacort, flufenamic acid, flumizole, flunisolide acetate, flunixin, flunixin meglumine, fluocortin butyl, fluorometholone acetate, fluquazone, flurbiprofen, fluretofen, fluticasone propionate, furaprofen, furobufen, halcinonide, halobetasol propionate, halopredone acetate, ibufenac, ibuprofen, ibuprofen aluminum, ibuprofen piconol, ilonidap, indomethacin, indomethacin sodium, indoprofen, indoxole, intrazole, isoflupredone acetate, isoxepac, isoxicam, ketoprofen, lofemizole hydrochloride, lomoxicam, loteprednol etabonate, meclofenamate sodium, meclofenamic acid, meclorisone dibutyrate, mefenamic acid, mesalamine, meseclazone, mesterolone, methandrostenolone, methenolone, methenolone acetate, methylprednisolone suleptanate, momiflumate, nabumetone, nandrolone, naproxen, naproxen sodium, naproxol, nimazone, olsalazine sodium, orgotein, orpanoxin, oxandrolane, oxaprozin, oxyphenbutazone, oxymetholone, paranyline hydrochloride, pentosan polysulfate sodium, phenbutazone sodium glycerate, pirfenidone, piroxicam, piroxicam cinnamate, piroxicam olamine, pirprofen, prednazate, prifelone, prodolic acid, proquazone, proxazole, proxazole citrate, rimexolone, romazarit, salcolex, salnacedin, salsalate, sanguinarium chloride, seclazone, sermetacin, stanozolol, sudoxicam, sulindac, suprofen, talmetacin, talniflumate, talosalate, tebufelone, tenidap, tenidap sodium, tenoxicam, tesicam, tesimide, testosterone, testosterone blends, tetrydamine, tiopinac, tixocortol pivalate, tolmetin, tolmetin sodium, triclonide, triflumidate, zidometacin, and zomepirac sodium.

According to the invention, the amount of an anti-inflammatory added to an ECM composition of the invention can similarly vary from anti-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, wherein the pharmacological agent comprises ibuprofen (Advil®), the amount of ibuprofen included in the ECM composition is preferably in the range of 100 μg-200 mg.

In some embodiments of the invention, the pharmacological agent comprises a statin, i.e. a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. According to the invention, suitable statins include, without limitation, atorvastatin (Lipitor®), cerivastatin, fluvastatin (Lescol®), lovastatin (Mevacor®, Altocor®, Altoprev®), mevastatin, pitavastatin (Livalo®, Pitava®), pravastatin (Pravachol®, Selektine®, Lipostat®), rosuvastatin (Crestor®), and simvastatin (Zocor®, Lipex®). Several actives comprising a combination of a statin and another agent, such as ezetimbe/simvastatin (Vytorin®), are also suitable.

Applicant has found that the noted statins exhibit numerous beneficial properties that provide several beneficial biochemical actions or activities. Several significant properties and beneficial actions resulting therefrom are discussed in detail below. Additional properties and beneficial actions are set forth in Co-Pending application Ser. No. 13/373,569; which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties/Actions

Statins have numerous favorable effects on vascular wall cells and the cardiovascular system. One specific example is that statins facilitate the reduction of the G-Protein-Coupled Receptor, thromboxane A2 (TXA₂), which lowers the platelet activation and aggregation, and augmentation of adhesion molecules and chemokines.

Statins further impact vascular wall cells and the cardiovascular system by blocking ras homilog gene family, member A (RhoA) activation. Blocking RhoA activation further impacts numerous systems, such as macrophage growth, tissue plasminogen activators (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, nitric oxide (NO) production, endothelins, and angiotensin receptors.

Macrophage growth reduced by blocking RhoA activation results in the reduction of matrix metalloprotinases (MMPs) and tissue factors (TF). Lowered MMPs also results in a lowered presence of thrombi, as the MMPs attach to ECM present in thrombi or damaged ECM at wound sites.

Fibrinolysis Properties/Actions

Blocking RhoA activation also affects the presence of tissue plasminogen activators (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), which is the principal inhibitor of fibrinolysis. With t-PA presence raised and PAI-1 diminished from the blocking of RhoA activation induced by statins, a reduced thrombotic effect is realized due to reduced opportunity for fibrin to form the polymeric mesh of a hemostatic plug.

NO Regulation Properties/Actions

Blocking RhoA activation also affects the presence of Nitric Oxide (NO) in the cardiovascular system. NO contributes to vessel homeostasis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle contraction and growth, platelet aggregation, and leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium.

RhoA Activation Blocking Properties/Actions

The administration of statins can also enhance the presence of endothelins and angiotensin receptors. Endothelins and angiotensin receptors can also be affected by the subsequent blocking of RhoA activation associated with statin administration.

There are three isoforms of endothelins; ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3, with ET-1 being the isoform primarily affected by statins and RhoA activation blocking. Secretion of ET-1 from the endothelium signals vasoconstriction and influences local cellular growth and survival.

Angiotensin receptors are protein coupled receptors that are responsible for the signal transduction of the vasoconstricting stimulus of the main effector hormone angiotensin II. Angiotensin Receptor II Type I (AT-1) is the angiotensin receptor primarily affected by statin administration and RhoA activation blocking. AT-1 mediates vasocontraction, cardiac hypertrophy, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, inter alia.

C-Reactive Protein Reduction Properties/Actions

C-Reactive Proteins (CRP) are also reduced by statins. CRPs are found in the blood; the levels of which deviate in response to differing levels of inflammation.

Adhesion Molecule Reduction Properties/Actions

Statins also reduce the presence of adhesion molecules on the endothelium. Adhesion molecules are proteins that are located on the cell surface and are involved with inflammation and thrombin formation in vascular endothelial cells.

Rac-1 Reduction Properties/Actions

The expression of Rac-1 is also reduced by statins. Rac-1 is a protein found in human cells, which plays a central role in endothelial cell migration, tubulogenesis, adhesion, and permeability. The decrease in the presence of Rac-1 also results in the decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

According to the invention, the ECM support member (or material) can include 10 mg or greater of a statin to achieve a higher concentration of the statin within a desired tissue, or 10 ug or less to achieve a lower concentration of the statin within a desired tissue.

According to the invention, the amount of a statin added to a pharmacological composition of the invention is preferably less than 20 mg, more preferably, less than approximately 10 mg.

In some embodiments of the invention, the ECM material includes 100 ug-5 mg of a statin. In some embodiments of the invention, the ECM material includes 500 ug-2 mg of a statin.

In some embodiments of the invention, the ECM support member (or material) includes chitosan or a derivative thereof. As also set forth in detail in Co-Pending application Ser. No. 13/573,569, chitosan also exhibits numerous beneficial properties that provide several beneficial biochemical actions or activities.

According to the invention, the amount of chitosan added to a pharmacological composition of the invention is preferably less than 50 ml, more preferably, less than approximately 20 ml.

In some embodiments of the invention, the chitosan is incorporated in a polymeric network, such as disclosed in U.S. Pub. Nos. 2008/0254104 and 2009/0062849, which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

In some embodiments of the invention, the bioactive agent comprises a cell. According to the invention, the cell can comprise, without limitation, a stem cell, such as, for example, a human embryonic stem cell, fetal cell, fetal cardiomyocyte, myofibroblast, mesenchymal stem cell, autotransplanted expanded cardiomyocyte, adipocyte, totipotent cell, pluripotent cell, blood stem cell, myoblast, adult stem cell, bone marrow cell, mesenchymal cell, embryonic stem cell, parenchymal cell, epithelial cell, endothelial cell, mesothelial cell, fibroblast, myofibroblast, osteoblast, chondrocyte, exogenous cell, endogenous cell, stem cell, hematopoetic stem cell, pluripotent stem cell, bone marrow-derived progenitor cell, progenitor cell, myocardial cell, skeletal cell, undifferentiated cell, multi-potent progenitor cell, unipotent progenitor cell, monocyte, cardiomyocyte, cardiac myoblast, skeletal myoblast, macrophage, capillary endothelial cell, xenogenic cell, and allogenic cell.

In some embodiments of the invention, the bioactive agent comprises a protein. According to the invention, the protein can comprise, without limitation, a growth factor, collagen, proteoglycan, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain, glycoprotein, cytokine, cell-surface associated protein, cell adhesion molecule (CAM), angiogenic growth factor, endothelial ligand, matrikine, matrix metalloprotease, cadherin, immunoglobin, fibril collagen, non-fibrillar collagen, basement membrane collagen, multiplexin, small-leucine rich proteoglycan, decorin, biglycan, fibromodulin, keratocan, lumican, epiphycan, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, perlecan, agrin, testican, syndecan, glypican, serglycin, selectin, lectican, aggrecan, versican, nuerocan, brevican, cytoplasmic domain-44 (CD44), macrophage stimulating factor, amyloid precursor protein, heparin, chondroitin sulfate B (dermatan sulfate), chondroitin sulfate A, heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, fibronectin (Fn), tenascin, elastin, fibrillin, laminin, nidogen/entactin, fibulin I, fibulin II, integrin, a transmembrane molecule, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) (also called basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)), thrombospondin, osteopontin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF).

In some embodiments of the invention, the ECM compositions specifically include a statin and chitosan. It has been found that the synergistic actions exhibited by the combination of a statin and chitosan significantly enhance the inducement of neovascularization, host tissue proliferation, bioremodeling, and regeneration of new tissue and associated structures (with site-specific structural and functional properties) when administered to damaged or diseased biological tissue.

According to the invention, the bioactive agents referenced above can comprise any form. In some embodiments of the invention, the bioactive component or components, e.g. simvastatin and/or chitosan, comprise microcapsules that provide delayed delivery of the agent contained therein.

As indicated above, in some embodiments, the vascular prostheses of the invention comprise a tubular support structure having an internal lumen therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the internal lumen includes at least one ECM composition layer.

In some embodiments, the ECM composition layer comprises an ECM composition coating. According to the invention, various conventional means can be employed to coat the ECM composition on the internal lumen wall, including spray coating, dipping, etc.

In some embodiments, the ECM composition layer comprises an ECM composition sheet member.

According to the invention, the ECM composition layer can comprise a plurality of ECM composition coatings and sheet members.

In some embodiments, the tubular support structure further includes at least one outer ECM composition layer.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of a vascular prosthesis of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the prosthesis 10 includes a tubular support structure 12 and a tubular shaped ECM member or sheet 14 that is secured to the internal lumen 13 of the tubular support structure 12.

As indicated above, the support structure 12 can comprise various conventional metals, and synthetic and natural materials, including, without limitation, tantalum gauze, stainless mesh, Dacron®, Orlon®, Fortisan®, nylon, knitted polypropylene (e.g., Marlex®), microporous expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Gore-Tex®), Dacron reinforced silicone rubber (e.g., Silastic®), polyglactin 910 (e.g., Vicryl®), polyester (e.g., Mersilene®), polyglycolic acid (e.g., Dexon®), processed sheep dermal collagen, crosslinked bovine pericardium (e.g., Peri-Guard®), and preserved human dura (e.g., Lyodura®). The support structure 12 can also comprise an ECM based material.

According to the invention, various conventional means can be employed to secure the ECM sheet member 14 to the internal lumen 13, including, without limitation, sutures 28 and surgical adhesives.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, there is shown another embodiment of a vascular prosthesis of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the prosthesis 20 is formed by providing a flat support structure (or sheet thereof) 22 and a flat ECM composition member (or sheet thereof) 24, attaching the ECM member 24 to the support structure 22, by, for example, suturing the ECM member 24 and support structure 22 together with sutures 28, rolling the joined ECM member 24 and support structure 22 in the direction denoted by Arrows A₁ and A₂ to form a tubular shape with the ECM member 24 comprising the inner layer, and suturing the ends of the ECM member 24 and support structure 22 (i.e. sutures 28) to form a tubular structure.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown yet another embodiment of a vascular prosthesis of the invention. In this embodiment, the prosthesis 30 is formed by electro-spinning an ECM composition 31 onto a flat support structure (or sheet thereof) 32, rolling the support structure 32 into a tubular shape, and suturing the ends of the support structure 32 to form a tubular structure.

To enhance the engagement of a vascular prosthesis of the invention to biological tissue, in some envisioned embodiments, the prosthesis support structure can also comprise a microneedle support structure, such as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/686,131, which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety.

As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the present invention provides numerous advantages compared to prior art methods and systems for treating damaged cardiac tissue. Among the advantages are the following:

-   -   The provision of vascular prostheses that reduce the incidence         of thrombotic events.     -   The provision of vascular prostheses that reduce tissue         inflammation.     -   The provision of vascular prostheses that reduce the incidence         of atherosclerosis.     -   The provision of vascular prostheses that induce modulated         healing.     -   The provision of extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions which,         when employed with a base prosthesis support structure, induce         host tissue proliferation, bioremodeling, and regeneration of         tissue structures with site-specific structural and functional         properties.

Without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, one of ordinary skill can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vascular prosthesis, comprising: a tubular support structure having an outer surface and an internal lumen therethrough, said internal lumen having a first surface, said support structure comprising a base material, said internal lumen first surface including a first extracellular matrix (ECM) layer comprising an ECM composition, said ECM composition including at least one ECM material from a mammalian tissue source, wherein, when said vascular prosthesis is deployed proximate damaged cardiovascular tissue, said prosthesis induces modulated healing of said damaged tissue.
 2. The vascular prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said first ECM layer comprises a first ECM composition coating.
 3. The vascular prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said first ECM layer comprises a first ECM composition sheet member.
 4. The vascular prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said support member outer surface includes a second ECM layer, said second ECM layer comprising said ECM composition.
 5. The vascular prosthesis of claim 4, wherein said second ECM layer comprises a second ECM composition coating.
 6. The vascular prosthesis of claim 4, wherein said second ECM layer comprises a second ECM composition sheet member.
 7. The vascular prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said support structure comprises a synthetic material selected from the group consisting of Dacron®, Orlon®, Fortisan®, nylon, knitted polypropylene, microporous expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene, Dacron® reinforced silicone rubber, and polyester.
 8. The vascular prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said support structure comprises a natural material selected from the group consisting of processed sheep dermal collagen, crosslinked bovine pericardium, and preserved human dura.
 9. The vascular prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said support structure comprises a metal structure selected from the group consisting of tantalum gauze and stainless mesh.
 10. The vascular prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said ECM material is selected from the group consisting of small intestine submucosa (SIS), urinary bladder submucosa (UBS), urinary basement membrane (UBM), liver basement membrane (LBM), stomach submucosa (SS), mesothelial tissue, subcutaneous extracellular matrix, large intestine extracellular matrix, placental extracellular matrix, ornamentum extracellular matrix, heart extracellular matrix and lung extracellular matrix.
 11. The vascular prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said ECM material comprises a decellularized ECM material.
 12. The vascular prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said ECM material includes at least one supplemental biologically active agent.
 13. The vascular prosthesis of claim 12, wherein said biologically active agent comprises a growth factor selected from the group consisting of a platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNA-α), and placental growth factor (PLGF).
 14. The vascular prosthesis of claim 12, wherein said biologically active agent comprises a cell selected from the group consisting of a human embryonic stem cell, fetal cardiomyocyte, myofibroblast, mesenchymal stem cell, autotransplanted expanded cardiomyocytes, adipocyte, totipotent cell, pluripotent cell, blood stem cell, myoblast, adult stem cell, bone marrow cell, mesenchymal cell, embryonic stem cell, parenchymal cell, epithelial cell, endothelial cell, mesothelial cell, fibroblast, osteoblast, chondrocyte, exogenous cell, endogenous cell, hematopoietic stem cell, bone-marrow derived progenitor cell, myocardial cell, skeletal cell, fetal cell, undifferentiated cell, multi-potent progenitor cell, unipotent progenitor cell, monocyte, cardiac myoblast, skeletal myoblast, macrophage, capillary endothelial cell, xenogenic cell, allogenic cell and post-natal stem cell.
 15. The vascular prosthesis of claim 12, wherein said biologically active agent comprises an active agent selected from the group consisting of a collagen (types I-V), proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), glycoproteins, cytokines, cell-surface associated proteins, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), endothelial ligands, matrikines, cadherins, immuoglobins, fibril collagens, non-fibrallar collagens, basement membrane collagens, multiplexins, small-leucine rich proteoglycans, decorins, biglycans, fibromodulins, keratocans, lumicans, epiphycans, heparin sulfate proteoglycans, perlecans, agrins, testicans, syndecans, glypicans, serglycins, selectins, lecticans, aggrecans, versicans, neurocans, brevicans, cytoplasmic domain-44 (CD-44), macrophage stimulating factors, amyloid precursor proteins, heparins, chondroitin sulfate B (dermatan sulfate), chondroitin sulfate A, heparin sulfates, hyaluronic acids, fibronectins, tenascins, elastins, fibrillins, laminins, nidogen/enactins, fibulin I, finulin II, integrins, transmembrane molecules, thrombospondins, ostepontins, and angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE).
 16. The vascular prosthesis of claim 12, wherein said biologically active agent comprises a pharmacological agent.
 17. The vascular prosthesis of claim 12, wherein said pharmacological agent is selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, antifungal agents, anti-viral agents, anti-pain agents, anesthetics, analgesics, steroidal anti-inflammatories, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-neoplastics, anti-spasmodics, modulators of cell-extracellular matrix interactions, proteins, hormones, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, anticoagulants, antithrombic agents, DNA, RNA, modified DNA and RNA, NSAIDs, inhibitors of DNA, polypeptides, oligonucleotides, polynucleotides, nucleoproteins, and vasodilating agents.
 18. The tissue prosthesis of claim 16, wherein said pharmacological agent comprises a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.
 19. The tissue prosthesis of claim 18, wherein said HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin. 